Coin control assembly



May 10, 1966 COIN CONTROL ASSEMBLY Filed Nov. 18, 1964 35 34 34 E 0 14A 1 1\ 2 ={g H. GREENWALD ET AL FIG.1

2. Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTQRS Harry Greenwald Jack H. Malek George Avlon ATTO R NEY y 0, 1966 H. GREENWALD ETAL 3,250,354

' com CONTROL ASSEMBLY Filed Nov. 18, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS Harry Greenwald Jack H. Malek George Avlon BY mm A TORNEY 3,250,364 COIN CONTROL ASSEMBLY Harry Greenwald, Whitestone, N.Y., Jack H. Malelt, Parsippany, N.J., and George Avlon, New York, N.Y., assignors of one-third to Harry Greenwald, one-third to Louis Wolf, and one-third to Harry Silberglait Filed Nov. 18, 1964, Ser. No. 411,975 Claims. (Cl. 19494) This invention relates in general to a coin control assembly, and more specifically to a coin control assembly for initiating the operating cycle of a coin operated machine only upon the insertion of a predetermined number of coins totalling a given monetary value.

Heretofore, coin control assemblies utilized on multiple coin operated mechanisms for initiating the cycle thereof operated on the principle of multiple electrical pulse accumulations instead of a single pulse operation after multiple deposits of the requisite number of coins has been made. For this reason relatively complex and costly electrical components were required.

Therefore, an object of this invention is to provide an improved coin control assembly whereby an electrical circuit or machine cycle can be impulsed in a relatively simple mechanical manner upon the insertion of a predetermined number of coins.

Another object is to provide an improved multiple coin control assembly which permits a single coin to impulse a switch controlling machine cycle only after a predetermined number of coins has been inserted.

Still another object is to provide an improved multiple coin control assembly which can be readily adjusted to accommodate coins of any given size.

Still another object is to provide in a coin control assembly a relatively simple and inexpensive mechanical coin counting means which eliminates the heretofore need of costly complex electromechanical switching systems.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved coin control assembly that can be readily adjusted for operating a machine cycle upon the insertion of either one or more coins of like denominations in a relatively simple and positive manner.

In accordance with this invention the foregoing objects, features and other advantages of this invention are attained by an improved coin control assembly comprising a mounting bracket having a coin counting means rotatably journalled on the mounting bracket. The coin counting means is arranged to electrically pulse or initiate the cycle of a coin operated machine only upon the insertion of the last of a requisite number of coins. Essentially, the coin counting means comprises a pair of spaced wheel or disc portions which have sandwiched therebetween an indexing star cam, one of the wheel means being provided with one or more lobes for elfecting the pulsing of a switching means located on the mounting bracket adjacent thereto.

In accordance with this invention the number of lobes formed on one of the wheel means constitutes a multiple of the number of points formed on the complementary star cam. Thus, by combining a given star cam and a complementary lobed wheel portion, the ratio of lobes to star points can be selected for a given coin counting means so that the operation of the machine cycle is rendered operative upon the insertion of the last of the number of coins equal to the quotient of said ratio.

A guide means is cooperatively associated with the coin counting means and is spaced therefrom to define a channelway or chute sized to receive a given coin size. Means are also provided for adjusting the guide means toward and away from the coin counting means, the

United States Patent 0 3,250,364 Patented May 10, 1966 arrangement being such that the coin control assembly can be readily adjusted for various size coins. The coin guide complements the coin channel of a complementary coin selecting mechanism or coin rejector means that introduces only acceptable coins tangentially to the coin counting means. A 'detent means is cooperatively associated with the points of the star cam to prohibit rotation of the coin counting means in a direction opposite to the rotation effected by the weight of the coins engaging he same.

Therefore, a feature of this invention resides in the provision of a coin control assembly in which the requisite number of coins required for effecting the operation of a machine cycle controlled thereby can' be varied by substituting one coin counting means for another to establish the proper lobe to star cam ratio.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provision whereby the coin guide means may be readily adjusted relative to the coin counting means so as to render the coin control assembly adjustable for receiving all coin sizes.

Another object of this invention is to provide a relatively simple and positive mechanically actuated, coin counting means which will pulse an electric circuit or energize the machine cycle of a coin operated rnachine only upon the insertion of the last of a predetermined number of coins.

Another feature resides in the provision that the coin control assembly is relatively simple in structure, can be economically fabricated, and is positive in operation.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent when considered in view of the drawings and specifications in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of the improved coin control assembly of the instantinvention, having portions thereof broken away.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an end view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a detailed top plan view of the star cam.

FIG. 5 is a sectional View of the star cam taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan end view of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the assembled coin counting means.

FIG. 8 is an end view of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are side and end views respectively of a modified construction.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 the coin control assembly 10 of the instant invention. In accordance with this invention the coin control assembly 10 is constructed and arranged so as to accept one or more coins of like denomination and which, upon the insertion of the last of said coins will energize an electrical circuit or pulse a machine cycle of a coin operated mechanism or vending machine, as for example, a coin operated washing machine, drier, dispensing machine and the like. Accordingly, the coin control assembly 10 of the instant invention is utilized in conjunction with a suitable coin rejecting mechanism (not shown) or with one of the type disclosed in a copending application S.N. 446,802, filed April 9, 1965. Accordingly, the coin control assembly 10 is rendered cooperatively associated with a coin rejector so that only acceptable coins are directed to a coin channel or chute of the assembly. The arrangeent is such that the acceptable coins are directed tangentially to a coin counting means 11 of the instant assembly 10 so that the same is activated mechanically by the weight of the coin, as will be hereinafter described.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the coin control assembly of the instant invention comprises a mounting bracket 12 by which it is secured to a suitable coin meter housing or coinrejecting mechanism (not shown). The mounttended through appropriate apertures formed in the leg portion 14A of the guide 14 so as to adjustably secure the same to the mounting plate 12 and along the adjustment slots 13. A lateral web 1413 spaces the other leg portion 14C of the coin guide from the mounting leg 14A portion thereof, as best seen in FIG. 2.

Cooperatively associated with the adjustable coin guide 14 is the coin counting means 11 which is rotatably journalled on the bracket of the assembly. In accordance with this invention, the coin guide 14 is rendered readily adjustable toward and away from the coin counting means 11. The purpose of this adjustment is to provide an arrangement whereby the mechanism or assembly is rendered readily adapted for use with differently sized coins. By regulating the spacing between the web 14B of the coin guide 14 and coin counting means 11, the assembly 10 can be adjusted to operate with large diameter coins or with small diameter coins. the adjustment, cooperating means 16 are provided on the coin guide 14 and associated bracket 12 to fix the adjustable positions therebetween for the different respective coin sizes. As shown, the cooperating means 16 comprise a series of serrated teeth or notches 17 formed along the edge portion of the bracket 12. cooperatively associated therewith, the coin guide 14 is provided with a resilient finger 18 having a tip portion 18A which is free to ratchet along the serrated edge 17 of the bracket 12. Suitable reference indicia 19 may be associated with each notch 17; the arrangement being such that the location of the tip portion 18A of the finger 1 8 in one of the notches 17 defines an adjustment for accommodating a given coin diameter.

As best seen in FIGS. 4 to 8, the coin counting means 11 is preferably formed of two complementary portions 20 and 21. One portion 20 comprises an indexing wheel 20A which has integrally connected to one side thereof a laterally extending star cam 2013 having N number of points to define N number of spaces between adjacent points. The center of the star cam portion 20 is provided with an aperture 22 for receiving a pin 23 by which it is rotatably supported on the mounting bracket 12.

In the illustrated form of the invention, an 8 pointed star cam 20B is formed on the indexing wheel 20A. However, as will be hereinafter described, the number of points of the star cam can vary depending upon the requisite number of coins which are required to render the associated machine cycle operative. Projecting laterally outwardly from the points of the star cam are a plurality of pins 24 by which the other complementary portion or cam disc 21 of the coin counting means is secured thereto.

As best seen in FIGS. 1, 7 and 8, the cam disc 21 comprises a circular member which has circumferentially spaced thereon a plurality of apertures 26 which are adapted to receive the pins of the indexing wheel. Thus, in the assembled position, as best seen in FIGS. 2, 3, 7 and 8, the cam disc 21 is connected to the star cam 20 by aligning the openings 26 of the cam disc 21 with the projecting pins 24 on the star cam. If desired, the pins 24 and the complementary holes 26' of the cam disc 21 may be constructed so as to provide a detachable snap or friction fit therebetween. As an alternate construction the cam disc 21 may be permanently secured to the To facilitate It will be readily understood however that this structure maybe attained by other forms of construction.

In accordance with this invention one or more lobes 27 are equidistantly spaced about the periphery of the cam disc 21. The number of lobes 27 which are circumferentially spaced around the periphery of the cam disc 21 may vary depending-upon the number of coins which are required to be inserted, as will be hereinafter described. Generally the number of lobes 27 will be a multiple of the star points. Thus by a proper ratio of cam lobes 27 to star points, the number of coins required to initiate the machine cycle can be readily determined. For example, the appropriate number-of star points and associated cam lobes for effecting operation of the cycle of the machine upon the insertion of a given predetermined number of coins can be selected in accordance with the following table:

Number of Coins Required To Elieet Operation Star Cam Points Cam Disc Lobes From the above table it will be noted that for the coin control assembly 11 to be rendered operative upon the insertion of one coin, an eight pointed star cam and an eight lobe cam disc is required. If the deposit of two coins are required, then an eight pointed star cam is utilized with a four lobe cam disc. Thus by the appropriate selection of a star cam and a lobe cam in accordance with the foregoing table, the control assembly 11 can be readily adapted to operate the machine cycle or to pulse an electrical circuit upon the insertion of any selected predetermined number of coins. Cooperatively associated with the coin counting means is a switch 28 which is connected into the circuit (not shown) which is to be actuated thereby. As shown the switch 28 includes an actuator or feeler 29 which extends into the path of the rotating lobes 27. Thus, as the lobes 27 are rotated, upon actuation of the coin counting means, as will be hereinafter described, each lobe 27 will effect a pulsation or actuation of the switch 28 as it rotates by the feeler. As shown, the star cam 20B is provided with eight points equally spaced about the wheel portion 20A thereof. The cooperating actuating cam disc 21 is provided with a pair of diametrically opposed earn lobes 27. Therefore, upon one revolution of the coin counting assembly the switch 28 is pulsated twice, that pins 24 of the indexing wheel by gluing. In either event is the switch 28 is actuated each time one of the lobes of the cam disc rotates past the actuating feeler 29 disposed in the path thereof. As a result the circuit or machine cycle is actuated after the deposit of four coins.

In order to prevent counter rotation of the coin counting means a detent means 30 is provided. The arrange ment is such that the detent means enables the coin counting means 11 to be rotated in one direction only. For example, in the illustrated arrangement the coin counting means v11 can be actuated in a counter clockwise direction only as viewed in FIG. 1.- Accordingly, the detent means 30 comprises a lever 31 which is pivoted at one end about the pivot 32 and has its other end provided with a detent or pawl 33' which is adapted to be received in the space defined between adjacent points of the star cam. As shown the pawl 33 is provided with an inclined surface 33A which permits it to be readily cammed over the succeeding points of the star cam as the latter is rotated by the deposits of successive coins as will be described. In accordance with this invention the coin counting means 11 is intended points of the star will cam under the detent or pawl 33 of the lever 31. Accordingly, the oammed detent lever 31 will retain the cam star in its advanced position as the detent or pawl 33 falls by gravity into the space behind the star point previously advanced by the dropping coin. To insure proper operation of the detent, the lever 31 is weighted in accordance with the weight of the coin. Thus the lever 31 is Weighted asby weight 34 in the form of nuts threaded to screw 35 so that the weight of one coin on the star cam will cause the star wheel to be cammed under the weighted lever.

In operation the coin control assembly is rendered operative as follows:

The coin guide 14 is first adjusted relative to the coin counting means 11 so that the spacing between the coin counting means 11 and the web 14B of guide 14 is sized so as to accommodate the diameter of a coin size arranged to render the coin operated machine operative. The coins which then satisfactorily pass through a coin rejecting mechanism are directed to the coin counting assembly. It is to be noted that upon the coins passing through the coin rejector, they are directed substantially tangentially to the coin counting means 11. Accordingly, the points of the star cam are disposed in the path of the respective coins so that succeeding coins engage in the successive space defined between adjacent points of the star earn as noted in FIG. 1, and due to the weight of the coin, the star cam 20 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction an incremental amount so that the coin passes between the coin counting means and the coin guide to drop into a coin receptacle (not shown). The detent 33 occupying the space immediately behind the space occupied by the coin, is carnmed over the next succeeding point and falls into the next succeeding space to prohibit counter rotation of the star cam as the coin drops from the advanced space of the star cam. The operation is repeated as the next coin is deposited. The operation for each succeeding coin is then repeated until the lobe 27 of the cam disc 21 rides past the feeler 29 of the switch 28 to thereby pulse the circuit or the machine cycle. Accordingly, the machine cycle or circuit is pulsed upon the insertion of only the last of the predetermined number of coins required to actuate the machine cycle. Thus in the illustrated form of the invention the circuit or switch 28 is actuated twice on each one complete revolution of the coin counting means.

FIGS. 9 and illustrate a modified construction of a coin counting means 11A. As shown, the coin counting means 11A comprises a pair of complementary members 41 and 42. Member 42 comprises a disc having a plurality of holes 21A circumferentially spaced in the plane thereof and a central opening 4113 for accommodating a projecting hub 42A of member 42. The hub 4213 in turn is provided with a bore 43 for receiving the pin 23 about which it rotates. Projecting laterally of the hub 42A is a flange portion 42C. As shown, flange 42C is provided \m'th a series of shoulder pins 44 having reduced extended portions 44A adapted to be received in holes 41A of member 41. The shoulder of pins 44 function as a stop to space member 41 from flange 42C of member 42. Spaced from pins 44, the flange 420 is provided with buttress pins 45 to space member 41 from member 42. Thus, in operation, the buttress pins 45 function to engage therebetween the periphery of a coin, C and thus function much in the same manner as the star cam hereinbefore described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. In this form,

. that described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the coin control assembly 11 can operate for any different number of coins merely by utilizing the proper ratio of star points to lobes of a coin counting mechanism as described, and by adjusting the weight of the detent lever 31 accordingly. Thus the coin control assembly 11 can be adapted to machines which require dilterent monetary values to 0perate the same. Also the value and number of coins to operate a given machine can be changed without requiring the heretofore interchange of an entire control assembly. This is readily attained by merely substituting one coin counting means 11 for that of another, as described hereinabove, in a given assembly. Thus the meter control assembly 11 can be altered to accept diiferent predetermined number of coins in a relatively simple and expedient manner.

While the instant invention has been described with reference to a particular embodiment thereof, it is to be apprecated that the invention is not to be taken as limited to all the detailsthereof as modifications and variations thereof may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A coin control assembly for initiating the operation of a coin operated machine only upon the insertion of a predetermined number of like coins for totalling a given monetary value comprising,

(a) means for mounting said assembly,

(b) means rotatably journalled on said mounting means for counting coins deposited,

(c) means for guiding said coins toward said counting means whereby the weight of each coin deposited eifects limited rotation of said coin counting means,

(d) a switch means for actuating the cycle of said machine,

(e) means for activating said switch means whereby said switch means is actuated only by the last of said predetermined number of coins deposited,

(f) means for limiting the angular rotation of said coin counting means in one direction only and,

(g) means for adjusting the resistive action of said limiting means of said coin counting means.

2. A coin meter for initiating the operating cycle of a coin operated machine upon the insertion therein of a predetermined number of coins of like denomination for totalling a given value comprising,

(a) a mounting bracket,

(b) a coin guide means adjustably mounted on said bracket for defining a coin chute,

(c) coin counting means rotatably journalled, said coin counting means being disposed in the path of the coins passing through said chute whereby the weight of said coins effects limited rotation of said coin counting means, i

(d) ratchet pawl pivotally mounted on said bracket for positively limiting the angular rotation of said coin counting means upon the passage of each coin thereby,

(e) a switch means for controlling the operating cycle of said machine,

(if) and means on said coin counting means for effect-- ing actuation of said switch means only after a predetermined number of coins of like denomination has been inserted in the meter,

(g) and means for weighing said ratchet pawl so that only the weight of one coin will cause the coin counting means to effect said limited rotation.

3. A coin meter for initiating the operating cycle of a coin operated machine upon the insertion therein of a predetermined number of coins of like denomination for totalling a given value comprising,

(a) a mounting bracket,

(b) a coin guide means adjustably mounted on said bracket for defining a coin chute,

() coin counting means rotatably journalled, said coin counting means being disposed in the path of the coins passing through said chute whereby the weight of said coins efiects limited rotation of said coin counting means,

((1) ratchet pawl pivotally mounted on said bracket for positively limiting the angular rotation of said coin counting means upon the passage of each coin thereby,

(e) a switch means for controlling the operating cycle of said machine,

(f) and means on said coin counting means for effecting actuation of said switch means only after a predetermined number of coins of like denomination has been inserted in the meter. wherein said coin counting means includes,

(g) a cam wheel having a star cam projecting laterally to one side thereof,

(h) a cam disc connected to said wheel whereby said star cam is disposed between said wheel and said disc so that the respective coins effecting the operation thereof engage points of said star between said wheel and disc.

4. The invention as defined in claim 3 wherein said cam disc includes means for efiecting the actuating of said switch wherein the number of said latter means carried on said disc is a multiple of the number of points of said star cam.

5. The invention as defined in claim 3 including means releasably connecting said cam wheel to said cam disc.

6. A coin meter for initiating the operating cycle of a coin operated machine upon the insertion therein of a predetermined number of coins of like denomination for totalling a given value comprising,

(a) a mounting bracket, said mounting bracket having an adjustment slot formed therein,

(b) a coin guide means defining a coin chute,

(c) means for adjustably fixing said guide on said bracket along said slot,

((1) a coin counting means rotatably journalled on said bracket,

(e) said coin counting means including a star wheel having a circular wheel portion and a connected star cam portion projecting laterally therefrom,

(f) a cam disc,

(g) means connecting said cam disc to said star wheel whereby said star cam is disposed between the said wheel portion and said disc,

(h) said coin counting means being disposed in the path of the coins passing through said chute whereby the weight of the coin engaging the points of said star cam efiect limited rotation thereof,

(i) means for limiting the angular rotation of said coin counting means in one direction only,

(j) said latter means including a detent lever having a pawl for engaging the space between points of said star,

(k) a switch means,

(1) a feeler actuator operatively associated with said switch means and disposed adjacent said disc,

(m) and a lob connected to the cam disc'for engaging said feeler to actuate said switch means each time said lob rotates by said actuator whereby the number of lobs connected to said cam disc being a multiple of the number of points on said star cam so that said switch means is impulsed only after the last of a predetermined number of coins hasbeen inserted.

7. The invention as defined in claim 6 and including means for weighting said detent lever for varying resistive force of said lever on said coin counting means.

8. The invention as defined in claim 6 and including cooperating means on said bracket and coin guide for indexing the same in accordance to a predetermined coin size.

9. A coin meter for initiating the operating cycle of a coin operated machine upon the insertion therein of a predetermined number of coins of like denomination for totalling a given value comprising,

(a) a mounting bracket,

(b) a coin guide means adjustably mounted on said bracket for defining a coin chute,

(c) coin counting means rotatably journalled, said coin counting means being disposed in the path of the coins passing through said chute whereby the weight of said coins effects limited rotation of said coin counting means,

(d). ratchet pawl pivotally mounted on said bracket for positively limiting the angular rotation of said coin counting means upon the passage of each coin thereby,

(e) a switch means for controlling the operating cycle of said machine,

(f) and means on said coin counting means for effect ing actuation of said switch means only after a predetermined number of coins of like denomination has been inserted in the meter, wherein said coin counting means includes:

(g) a cam wheel and,

(h) a. cam disc,

(i) and means for spacing said cam wheel from said cam disc.

10. The invention as defined in claim 9 wherein said latter means includes a plurality of circumferential pin means whereby adjacent pins cooperate to engage with the periphery of a coin to effect rotation thereof by gravity.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,034,604- 8/1912 Farnsworth 194-73 2,723,018 11/ 1955 Strayer 1945l 2,8 85,050 5 1959 [Haverstick l9494 X 3,182,780 5/1965 Jenkins 19494 X RAPHAEL M. LUPO, Primary Examiner.

STANLEY H. TOLLBERG, Examiner. 

1. A COIN CONTROL ASSEMBLY FOR INITIATING THE OPERATION OF A COIN OPERATED MACHINE ONLY UPON THE INSERTION OF A PREDETERMINED NUMBER OF LIKE COINS FOR TOTALLING A GIVEN MONETARY VALUE COMPRISING, (A) MEANS FOR MOUNTING SAID ASSEMBLY, (B) MEANS ROTATABLY JOURNALLED ON SAID MOUNTING MEANS FOR COUNTING COINS DEPOSITED, (C) MEANS FOR GUIDING SAID COINS TOWARD SAID COUNTING MEANS WHEREBY TO WEIGHT OF EACH COIN DEPOSITED EFFECTS LIMITED ROTATION OF SAID COIN COUNTING MEANS, (D) A SWITCH MEANS FOR ACTUATING THE CYCLE OF SAID MACHINE, (E) MEANS FOR ACTIVATING SAID SWITCH MEANS WHEREBY SAID SWITCH MEANS IS ACTUATED ONLY BY THE LAST OF SAID PREDETERMINED NUMBER OF COINS DEPOSITED, (F) MEANS FOR LIMITING THE ANGULAR ROTATION OF SAID COIN COUNTING MEANS IN ONE DIRECTION ONLY AND, (G) MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE RESISTIVE ACTION OF SAID LIMITING MEANS FOR SAID COIN COUNTING MEANS. 